The FireSmart home ignition zone
FireSmart Canada divides the area around a home into zones. The immediate zone, within 1.5 metres of the house, should be free of combustible material. The intermediate zone, 1.5 to 10 metres, focuses on spacing and reducing flammable vegetation. The extended zone, 10 to 30 metres, focuses on thinning and removing ladder fuels so fire stays on the ground and loses intensity.
Most homes that burn in wildfires are ignited by embers or small surface fires, not by a wall of flame. Removing fuel close to the house and breaking up continuous canopy are the most effective vegetation steps you can take.
Tree work that reduces wildfire risk
Typical FireSmart tree work includes removing conifers close to the house, thinning dense stands so crowns are spaced apart, limbing up the lower branches of retained conifers to a safe height above the ground, removing dead and down material, and replacing high-hazard conifers with lower-risk deciduous species where appropriate.
We plan the work to keep your property attractive and private. Done well, FireSmart thinning often makes a lot look healthier and more open, with better views and more light.
Disposal of FireSmart debris
Large volumes of branches are produced by thinning, and leaving them on site defeats the purpose. We chip material and either haul it away or spread a thin layer well away from structures where appropriate. Piles of dry slash should never be left near a home.
Local programs in the Town of Canmore and MD of Bighorn have offered FireSmart rebates, chipping days or assessments in some years. Program details change, so check current offerings with your municipality; we can work alongside any assessment you already have.
Working with neighbours and communities
Wildfire does not respect property lines, so the best results come when neighbours work together. We regularly quote adjacent properties together, which can reduce costs for everyone, and we can help condominium boards and community associations plan phased mitigation across shared land.
If your property borders municipal, provincial or Parks Canada land, we only work on your side of the line and will point you to the right agency for adjacent land.
Our firesmart wildfire mitigation process
- Walk the home ignition zone with you
- Mark trees for removal, thinning and limbing
- Prioritize work closest to the home
- Thin, limb and remove ladder fuels
- Chip and remove debris from the property
Frequently asked questions
How far up should conifer branches be limbed for FireSmart?
FireSmart guidance commonly recommends removing branches up to about 2 metres above the ground on retained conifers in the extended zone. The right height depends on tree size and surrounding fuels, so we tailor it to each tree.
Do I have to cut down all the trees near my house?
No. FireSmart focuses on spacing, removing ladder fuels and keeping the area closest to the home low in combustible material. Many trees can be retained.
Are there rebates for FireSmart work in Canmore?
Local municipalities have offered FireSmart programs in some years. Availability changes, so check with the Town of Canmore or MD of Bighorn for current details.
When is the best time for FireSmart work?
Spring, before fire season, is ideal, but mitigation can be done most of the year. Avoid leaving cut debris on site during dry summer conditions.